Trauma nursing: the team approach

The team approach to trauma care has demonstrated benefits for patients in terms of both quality of care and outcome. This article examines the current management and organizational strategies of trauma care and the effect these have on patient outcome. The four main roles of the nurse within the trauma team are discussed. Research has shown that during the resuscitation of patients only 26% of nurses felt confident that the care they gave was satisfactory. However, 81% of these nurses may be responsible for the care of patients with multiple injuries at least once a week (Hamilton, 1991). Although medical staff have a vital role to play within the trauma team, this article will focus predominantly on the role of the nurse.